Friday, October 12, 2007
at
12:12 AM

Posted by Katharine Lu, Book Search Support Team

Without question, my favorite gallery in the British Museum is Room 34: The Islamic World. It’s tucked away near the back entrance -- one of those hidden jewels that's often overlooked by the throngs of tourists passing through. I love the pieces with fractured mosaics, geometric shapes in violent turquoise or grainy saffron, and calligraphy that looks more like art than language.

On my last visit, I noticed a black and white water vessel from Tunisia. The calligraphy on this delicate pot carried a quote from the Quran:

You who come to drink some pure, cold water, drink for good health and well-being and be happy.

I thought it was the perfect sentiment for celebrating Eid al Fitr tonight, the breaking of the Ramadan fast. So I decided to share it with you, along with links to books on Eid al Fitr that you can find in Book Search.

Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most celebrated holidays of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the calendar, lasting until the first crescent of the next new moon is sighted. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast throughout the day, not eating or drinking from dawn to sunset.

If you're joining the festivities this year, or just want to learn more, here's a book on the traditional recipes served during this time, and the customs of the holiday.

And here's my holiday wish for your good health, well-being, and happiness!